A newlywed farmer and his wife were visited by her mother, who immediately demanded an inspection of the place.<注2> The farmer had genuinely tried to be friendly to his new mother-in-law, hoping that it could be a friendly, non-antagonistic relationship.<注3> All to no avail though, as she kept nagging them at every opportunity, demanding changes, offering unwanted advice, and generally making life unbearable to the farmer and his new bride.<注4>

　　While they were walking through the barn, during the forced inspection, the farmer's mule suddenly reared up and kicked the mother-in-law in the head<注5>, killing her instantly. It was a shock to all no matter their feelings toward her demanding ways... <注6>

　　At the funeral service a few days later, the farmer stood near the casket and greeted folks as they walked by.<注7> The pastor noticed that whenever a woman would whisper something to the farmer, he would nod his head yes and say something.<注8> Whenever a man walked by and whispered to the farmer, however, he would shake his head no, and mumble<注9> a reply.

　　Very curious as to this bizarre behavior, the pastor later asked the farmer what that was all about.<注10> The farmer replied, "The women would say, 'What a terrible tragedy'<注11> and I would nod my head and say 'Yes, it was.' The men would then ask, 'Can I borrow that mule?' and I would shake my head and say, 'Can't, it's all booked up for a year.<注12>'"